If you have an entire set of chairs to cover, chair covers can be expensive.It is possible to make your own for very little money.You can use pillowcases to cover dining room chair backs and seats, make fancy chair covers for special events, or create a custom one-piece slipcover for an armchair.
Step 1: There should be 2 pillowcases per chair.
You can cover the back of the chair with one pillowcase and another with another pillowcase.A standard pillowcase is 20 by 26 inches (51 by 66 cm).Pick a print or color that matches your table and decor.If you have children or expect spills or messes, choose a cotton-polyester blend fabric.It is possible to wash and iron pillowcases.
Step 2: The seat cushion should be removed from the chair.
If you want to remove the seat cushion from the chair, you have to turn it over and use a drill or screwdriver.You should keep the bolts in a safe place as you will need them later.
Step 3: Cut a pillowcase bigger than the cushion.
Refer to the measurements you took for the cushion, then use fabric scissors to cut the pillowcase to size.If you want to wrap the fabric around the back of the seat, you need to add at least 4 square inches (26 cm) to the measurements.If you want to add foam or padding to the cushion, make the pillowcase cover bigger.
Step 4: The seat cushion should be placed on top of the fabric.
The right side of the print should be facing down on the work surface.If you want, add any padding or foam now.On top of the padding, center the cushion in the middle.
Step 5: Place the fabric in the back of the seat.
Pull the fabric tight to the back of the seat on the other side.Use a staple gun to hold the fabric in place.On the other side of the seat, repeat.You would fold one of the sides like a package.Attach it to the back of the seat.Go back and forth with the remaining side.Put your first staple in the middle of each side.It is important to keep the fabric taut.Cut excess fabric with fabric scissors.
Step 6: Attach the seat to the chair.
Attach the seat to the chair using a drill or screwdriver if you want to see the bottom.The seat needs to be firmly on so it doesn't shift when you sit down.The chair needs to be turned right-side-up.
Step 7: Put a pillowcase over the back of the chair.
This part is easy to understand.The seam is at the top if you pull the pillowcase down.If there is excess material at the bottom, put it in the pillowcase or place it around the seat of the chair.To make the chair look better, tie a flat ribbon around the center of the pillowcase and tie it in a bow at the back.If you wanted, you could add a pin over the knot.
Step 8: For the remaining chairs, repeat.
If you want to make all of your chairs match, you need to repeat the steps for covering the chair backs.You can change the look of your dining room chairs with a few basic materials.
Step 9: Take a look at the chairs.
To determine the width of the chairs, use a tape measure.Measure up the back of the chair from the floor to the top, down the front, along the edge, and from seat to bottom of legs.To determine the length of the fabric, add these measurements together.To make sure you have enough fabric to cover the entire chair, add at least 1 inch to each measurement.The project works best for dining room chairs.
Step 10: Purchase enough fabric to cover each chair.
Divide the dimensions by the number of chairs you want to cover to get the fabric you need.There are fabrics that are popular for weddings.You can choose any fabric you want.The fabric should complement the decor of the event.If you don't want to hem the edges, choose a fabric that does not oxidize when cut.You'll need about 2 yards of fabric per chair.
Step 11: Wrap the fabric around the chair.
The fabric should be cut into pieces based on the original dimensions.The fabric should be positioned so that it covers the entire chair.Bring the extra material to the back of the chair.
Step 12: The back of the chair has fabric on it.
Use a thread that matches the color of the fabric to hand-stitch the sides of it.If you don't want to sew them, use safety pins to secure them.You can use a product like Fray Check to hem the raw edges if you chose a fabric that frays when cut.
Step 13: The chair has a sash on it.
Cut strips of ribbon that are at least twice the width of the chair.Wrap the sash around the back and position it in the middle of the front.Let the excess trail down if you tie it in a knot or bow.Attach a flower or pin in the center of the knot.
Step 14: Use the same method to cover each chair.
Continue the process for the remaining chairs until they are styled to your liking.
Step 15: Choose a fabric that will complement your decor.
A cotton-polyester blend fabric is a good choice for everyday use.While difficult to sew, canvas will last a long time.If you are a sewing novice, choose a solid-colored fabric so you don't have to worry about matching up the print when you sew the pieces together.You will need 3-4 yards of fabric to cover an armchair.
Step 16: You can make a paper pattern for the chair.
You can trace the shape and size of the chair by laying a piece of tracing paper over it.You should work from the largest to the smallest areas.If you want to lay the chair flat on the paper, feel free to move it as needed.The front, back, seat, and arms are all part of the chair.Measure each section of the chair to make a pattern.The pattern should be labeled so you don't get confused.
Step 17: Cut out the pattern pieces by adding 2 in to each measurement.
This takes into account the seam allowance and hems.To include the increased measurements, trace a new line around the pattern.Then, cut out the rest of the pattern.
Step 18: Pin the pattern to the fabric.
The pattern won't move if you add a few pins to each piece.To trace the pattern on the wrong side of the fabric, use tailor's chalk.As you trace around the pattern, press down the edges of it.When drawing straight lines, use the edge of a ruler.Make sure the pattern matches up in a way you like.
Step 19: Cut along the chalk lines with fabric scissors.
As possible, stay as close to the lines as possible.If you have a hard time cutting the fabric, you can cut outside the lines to make sure there is enough fabric to cover the chair.When you are done, wipe the tailor's chalk away with a cloth.
Step 20: Put the pieces of the pattern together.
If you need help determining which piece is which, refer to the newspaper templates.The pins should be inserted the same way as the edge of the fabric.First, join the back pieces, then add the front pieces and finish with the arms.
Step 21: Make sure the fit is right.
Put the chair over the slipcover to make sure it fits.Remove the pins and realign the sections if necessary.
Step 22: You're going to sew.
To sew the pieces together, use a sewing machine.To make things easier, place them in the same order that you pinned them.For a finished look, hem the bottom portions.The hem allowance is 4–2 inch.
Step 23: The chair has something on it.
All you have left to do is to enjoy your chair after sewing is done.